The dreadful news follows forward Dan Jackson missing the Cairns clash with a calf injury, while Tyson Demos, Larry Davidson and Tim Coenraad have all just returned from injury.

The Hawks have lost their past four games and while still in fourth spot (8-7) have to take on the league-leading Breakers (13-3) in New Zealand on Thursday, then head to Townsville to take on the Crocodiles on Saturday night.

Hurdle will have surgery either on Friday or next Tuesday, but will remain with the Hawks team for the rest of the season.

Martin is seeing a specialist today to confirm a date for his surgery.